“Who'd have known demons were so sexy?” Faye sighed, still leaning again Gaia. “When I met Raxx, all I could think about were those books of father's – do you remember?”
“Of course. It's all I could think about too. Remember that time I–”
“Stuck that horrible picture above my bed? How could I forget? I nearly wet my sheets!” Faye scowled playfully.
The girls dissolved into laughter again.
“They are a far cry from that, aren't they?” Lori mused, glancing across at the demons once more.
“How do you suppose father had gotten it so wrong? Surely he's seen his fair share of demons to know those books are inaccurate?” her sister replied.
“My sentiments exactly. The more I've gotten to know Lephas, the more I'm beginning to wonder if father has been keeping a lot more from us than we even thought.”
“He... He really sent his men to–?” Faye swallowed, her eyes turning glassy.
“Yes. There was no doubt about it, Faye. They almost succeeded. If it hadn't been for Lephas and his men...”
“Then I am forever indebted to that demon of yours.” Faye smiled softly.
“As am I, believe me.” She paused, crunching snow drawing her attention.
Raxx was mysteriously absent from the campsite and Lephas was making his way over to them.
“Sorry to interrupt, but I've been told you are an expert fire-starter?” He was looking at Faye.
Her sister smiled. “I am rather handy. Where is Raxx?”
“He's gone to track down some dinner. He's a better hunter than I am.” The demon looked at Lori with a grin.
“Not difficult to believe. The guy is silent as the grave.” Lori shuddered. “He's creepy.”
“Yeah, he is.” Lephas nodded. “You'll get used to it. He's got no qualms about disappearing mid-conversation either, just so you know.”
“Well that's just rude,” Lori huffed, earning a laugh from the demon.
“Yes, I have come to realise our friend Raxx is no great conversationalist.” Faye snorted, patting Gaia and walking back towards the camp.
“I know he probably seems a bit rough around the edges, but you couldn't be out here with anyone better Princess,” Lephas replied, following behind her.
As they approached the campfire, Lori noticed it hadalready been set up for them, with fresh branches and kindling laid out. Faye removed her gloves and threw them down into the snow as she knelt beside the fire.
Lephas crouched down beside her to watch curiously.
The sunshine from the morning had already been engulfed by yet more grey, snow-laden clouds but Lori knew that wouldn't hinder Faye.
The faerie held her palm above the kindling, her skin shimmering and glowing steadily brighter. She slowly pulled her palm away and they watched as light refracted from her into a bright beam, just like a magnifying glass in the sun.
The kindling began to smoke and Faye held her hand steady and patiently. A small flame flickered to life and quickly took hold of the dry forest material.
Lephas let out a low whistle.
“That's one hell of a trick,” he muttered, rubbing a palm over his mouth thoughtfully.
“It's nothing, really.” Faye shrugged, gathering her gloves and standing to pull them back on. Her wings fluttered happily at his praise.
“I don't imagine that's something you can teach, is it?” Lephas asked with a laugh, getting to his feet.
“Unfortunately not, Commander.” Faye smiled.
